Palm Beach Atlantic University Inc.

09/08/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/08/2026 15:05

Many Paths, One Purpose: PBA’s Second Physician Associate Cohort Brings Varied Experiences to the Classroom

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Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) welcomed the second cohort to its Master of Medical Science in Physician Associate (PA) program on August 19. This year's cohort, comprising 56 students, began their journey this fall toward a common goal: learning to treat patients and carry out their calling to care for others and serve the community.

The PA program's second cohort brings experiences from not only across Florida, but across the country: from military service and emergency medicine to athletics, women's health, orthopedics, assisted living and community service. Some students grew up just miles from PBA, while others traveled from other states including Utah and Alabama. What unites this diverse group of students is a desire to serve others through health care and medicine.

Supportive Staff Made the Choice Simple

For Ryan McMichael, that journey began in Coalville, Utah. After earning a degree in exercise science from Utah Valley University, McMichael gained experience in operating rooms and anesthesia before spending three years working toward his goal of becoming a PA. After applying to multiple PA programs across the country, he said his experience interviewing at PBA ultimately made the University stand out. "I felt that Dr. Tobin and the faculty and staff really cared for us as individuals," McMichael said. "It felt like a place filled with people of genuine care and desire to connect with us and help support us in achieving our goals."

Mit Patel comes to PBA from Gulf Shores, Alabama, after studying biomedical sciences at Auburn University. Patel shared it was the supportive nature of PBA's faculty and staff that played an important role in his decision to attend the University. Patel is currently interested in dermatology and hopes to become a provider who is both clinically knowledgeable and compassionate.

Other members of the cohort have found their way to PBA through experiences closer to home. Annika Miller, a Vero Beach native, a PBA alumna and former member of PBA's women's golf team, is also entering the cohort. She earned a degree in exercise science and gained experience through internships at chiropractic and physical therapy offices. Today, she is interested in functional medicine and hopes to help patients address the underlying causes of illness while focusing on overall health.

Preparing to Serve Fellow Veterans

West Palm Beach native Devin Richie is entering the program after serving nearly three years in the U.S. Navy as a Hospital Corpsman. After his military service, he attended fire school and was training to be a paramedic when he discovered the PA profession through a guest speaker at school. His long-term goal is to work at a specialty clinic at the VA to support his fellow veterans. "I would very much like to continue serving those who served," Richie said.

A Family Affair

Brianna Thompson, who grew up in Valrico, Florida, earned her bachelor's degree in biomedical sciences from the University of South Florida. Her interest in becoming a PA was influenced by her family, including her cousin's wife, who is a PA. She chose PBA after touring the facilities and meeting the staff and some of the students. "The program is faith- based and I want my career to overlap with my faith," Thompson said. Thompson is also entering the program alongside her twin sister. The sisters are the first set of twins accepted into PBA's PA program.

Her twin sister Arianna's journey to PBA similarly reflects the importance of family and community. Arianna Thompson became interested in health care after having a good experience with her grandfather's PA while he was battling dementia. "PBA's focus on serving the community really spoke to me," Thompson said. "I aspire to give back to my community when I become a provider."

Jessica Rodriguez, originally from Lake Worth, Florida, earned her degree in health science from Florida Atlantic University and spent three years working as a medical assistant at an OB-GYN clinic. Rodriguez is a first-generation Cuban American and the first person in her family to pursue higher education. She hopes to carry the perseverance and gratitude she learned from her family into her career as a PA.

PBA's PA program officially kicked off fall 2025 and currently has 112 students enrolled. The next cohort begins fall 2027. This full time, in person 128-month program is now accepting applications until November 2026.

Click here for more information about the Physician Associate program at PBA.

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